According to various surveys nearly 50% of Americans harbor ambitions of starting their own business. Whether for a new career, a passionate cause or an income boosting side hustle – it pays to be aware of some of the unexpected costs of chasing your dreams.
The infographic from turbo.intuit.com below explains some of the costs of starting a business, which you may or may not have considered.
Every business owner needs to provide their company with direct access to the industry equipment and premises necessary for growth. Whether you’re considering the machinery your company needs to maintain its productivity or the overall location of your business, an entrepreneur has to decide when it’s time to buy when it’s time to rent. Both options have their advantages and inconveniences. As a result, it’s essential to consider a variety of factors when defining the most suitable solution for your company. Ultimately, while cost is a driving factor in the decision-making process, it isn’t the sole element to take into account. Here’s a little bit more on the pros and cons of buying and renting.
Buying a property gives you more freedom
There is no shortage of commercial rentals. In fact, as many rental shops tend to stay empty for prolonged periods of time, it would seem that there are more rental commercial properties than there are businesses. In reality, small businesses often struggle to secure premises as commercial leasing agreements can be unaffordable in the long term. On the other end, you can turn to expert sites and search PropList or similar realtors to find a list of your local commercial properties to buy. A commercial mortgage can facilitate ownership – commercial loans are very different from personal loans – and protect your business from unexpected leasing cost increase.
What are the risks of renting?
Businesses that consider signing a lease need to be careful about the terms they agree to. Indeed, while the typical length of the contract can be of 5 to 10 years, depending on your business, break clauses, and stamp duty can make it difficult for undercapitalised companies to relocate. it’s not uncommon to find rent-free periods for commercial properties, but what businesses forget to consider is that the actual rent is likely to be inflated as a result.
Buying your equipment: It doesn’t have to be new
Similarly, the next important asset to secure is your business equipment. Buying your equipment is an expensive investment for a startup or a small company. However, a purchased asset can bring tax benefits as it is typically deductible. While there are financing options available, most SMEs prefer reducing their costs with the purchase of used equipment. Ultimately, saving money can come at a high cost if you’re not careful. You can’t commit to a purchase without considering the length of the remaining warranty period as well as the condition of the machinery. Indeed, repair costs could tip your business over the edge!
When is leasing a good idea?
On the other hand, leasing your equipment can be a profitable decision that also comes with a non-negligible tax advantage. Indeed, you can deduct the leasing costs from your tax return. More importantly, leasing allows your company to finance the price of its equipment, which can free up additional capital. For a business working with limited cash flows, leasing is a manageable solution. However, it also implies that you need to find a reliable provider who can maintain and service the equipment.
To buy or to lease, this is the question that countless business owners have to answer. There is no unique solution, as your decision will depend on your cash flow, your market, and your long-term requirements. In short, the cost is not the sole factor to consider!
The capital outlay that is often required to buy new machinery can be too cost-prohibitive for many and that is why buying a used item is such an attractive option.
Even though you will be spending less in this scenario it is still a major purchase and you want to be sure that you have covered all the angles and considered all your options before committing to buy.
Here is a look at some of the key considerations when you are looking to buy used machinery online.
Create a list of priorities
The first thing that you should be doing is to create a list of your specific equipment needs and wants. If you are purchasing these items for a business you will most likely have a priority list of essential equipment and machinery that you need, followed by a secondary list of items that you would like to purchase at some point.
It would be a good idea at this point to browse online to see what is available and get an idea on prices. You can find out more at www.EquifyAuctions.com in your search for machinery online.
Think about quality
Once you have decided what type of machinery you want to buy there is the issue of ensuring that you buy something that is up to the job in terms of quality and performance.
If you are going to be heavily reliant on this item of machinery you need it to be reliable, and that often means making sure you don’t compromise on quality.
One of the main attractions of buying used machinery rather than new is the fact that you can potentially acquire an item that had an expensive price tag new because of its build quality but can now be purchased at a much lower price.
It is often a good strategy to buy the best quality you can for your money when it comes to machinery and buying used should allow you to do that.
Think about your space and storage requirements
If you are buying machinery that is going to be used as part of your manufacturing process, for example, you will need to work out space requirements.
This means knowing how much space the item will take up when it is installed and whether you have the capacity to accommodate the item you are thinking about buying.
Is there a warranty period remaining?
When you buy new equipment and machinery it comes with a manufacturers warranty and if you are buying used it could be that the warranty period has expired.
Don’t forget to check whether the item you are considering buying has any warranty left, as this will have an impact on your ongoing costs if you are going to have to pay for any mechanical fault going forward.
Try before you buy
Buying an item of equipment or machinery can involve a significant cash outlay and you want to make sure you get it right and that everything is as it should be before you complete the purchase.
If you are buying used machinery online you can still make these checks and complete a visual inspection.
This is also the case if you are bidding at an auction. You can either use the auction sites description as a guide or you might be able to view the item beforehand before it goes under the hammer.
Ask about transportation costs
If you are buying machinery online it is possible that the item that you have chosen to buy is not local and that means it will need to be transported to your location.
You need to consider this logistical challenge before making your offer as costs for heavy machinery can be high and you will need to factor that into your costs unless the current owner is agreeing to deliver it to you as part of the price you pay.
If you are going to have to pay the transportation costs yourself make sure you get a quote for doing this so that you know exactly how much it is going to be, as it could form part of your buying negotiations.
Check for any outstanding finance
The last thing you want when buying used machinery online is to subsequently discover that there is outstanding finance owed by the previous owner.
It is essential that you check this and ask for evidence if you are buying from a private seller.
An auction site should check this information and provide details in the sale particulars.
Seller reputation counts for a lot
Last but not least, it is essential that you make all the necessary checks to confirm that your seller is genuine and has a good reputation.
Buying used machinery from a recognized and reputable seller or source is highly advisable as it gives you a certain degree of protection and peace of mind that all the paperwork is going to be in order and the item of machinery is exactly as advertised.
Take the time to verify a seller’s credentials if you have not dealt with them before or heard of them, keeping in mind that old adage that if something looks too good to be true it probably is.
It always pays to be cautious about machinery and equipment that is priced well below its current market value, even allowing for the fact that it is used and the price tag will reflect that fact.
Do not be persuaded to make a payment or transfer the money to the seller in advance and always make sure that you obtain original documentation rather than copies.
It pays to do your research and become better informed about what is currently on offer and what sort of price you can expect to pay for the used machinery that you are interested in.
The internet makes it easy to do this searches and it is also a good marketplace for buying the item at the right money.
Miami often referred to as the Magic City, is one that’s rather challenging to describe quickly. It’s an amazingly dynamic city that is always growing and redefining its position in American business and culture. Even better, there’s always something going on and something to do.
For those who are considering moving to Miami, getting to know some of the specific benefits can be helpful. Keep in mind though, appealing aspects of this city go beyond what’s included on this list.
The Housing Options
Miami is a diverse place to live. As such, the housing options are extremely vast. A person can find all types of residential properties to purchase for their family or to invest in.
For those interested in investing in Miami real estate, there are countless options available. They should also visit NRIA.net to learn more.
Regardless of what someone moving to the area is looking for, they will find that Miami is a city that delivers. It may take some time to find that perfect property, but the time and effort are going to be worth it.
The Weather
The average temperature in Miami is 77 degrees Fahrenheit. For those who are used to colder winters, this is likely extremely appealing.
People living in this city can enjoy all types of outdoor activities, all year long. The need for a jacket is minimal, even during the winter months.
This is one of the factors that has made this city such a popular tourist destination. In fact, more than 15.8 million people visit this city each year.
If someone is searching for a place to move that’s warm and comfortable outside all year round, they can’t go wrong by choosing Miami. The weather in this city definitely delivers.
Job and Business Opportunities
The city of Miami is one that has never stopped growing. Thanks to the vibrancy of this city, Miami is a huge hub for all types of different businesses.
In fact, five companies that are currently on the Fortune 500 list have built their headquarters in the metropolitan area of the city. Many others have a branch here.
The business impact of this city is something that can be felt across the globe. It’s a natural bridge to Latin America and other locations. While real estate and finance are especially big in this area, Miami is also welcoming to other types of businesses.
Lifestyle
The New York minute is just 30 seconds; however, those who live in Miami have all the time they could ever need. Business deals are often made at the golf course or on the beach.
Even when walking around downtown, there’s no one who seems stressed or hectic. While this is true, the speed of life isn’t so slow that nothing’s ever done. Despite the reputation that this city has gained in past years, Miami is actually a very family-oriented city thanks to the culture, and people of all ages live here.
Making a Move to Miami
If a person or family is considering a move to South Florida, they should carefully consider the benefits offered by Miami. In the long run, they are going to be able to become a part of a growing and vibrant community and enjoy things such as the beach, sun, and surf, whenever they want.
Tax credits are a kind of government incentive which aims to reduce the taxpayer’s burden with the intention of supporting certain commercial ventures. This tax obligation is an allowable deduction which a taxpayer is given back from the tax paid within a given period stipulated by the revenue body. The most common tax credit is the one extended to expenses on Research and Development (R&D) activities undertaken by a given business. However, the research and development activities of concern should meet the minimum requirements as stipulated by the government. For instance, in the United States, The research should be innovative and experimental in nature for one to qualify for the 12% R&D tax credit. Basically, there is so much you need to know about this tax aspect and you should consider having a look at an in-depth article about this topic to get a detailed understanding. For now, we are committed to helping you discern whether the tax credit is something you should be thinking about. Here is everything you need to know:
The nature of tax credits is divided into two broad categories
Tax credit is divided into refundable and non-refundable credit with each applying in a different setting. The latter is whereby the government will not return your surplus amount but instead, it will be used to offset your pending debts. In case more money is left after paying the debts, the extra is carried forward and it can be used to offset more debts in future. In the case of the refundable tax credit, the government will return your refundable money after clearing all the debts you might be having.
Tax credit will help you have more finance at your disposal
The nature of the refundable tax credit is in such a way that you will get more money after the taxation body has subtracted all the pending tax debt you might be having with it. The remaining amount of money is sent back to you in form of cash and you can use it for your daily operations. Therefore, when you apply for the tax credit, you are likely to have more cash at a business or personal level which I bet it can help you in one way or another.
There are more than five types of tax credit which you can claim
Majority of the people are only familiar with the R&D tax credit perhaps because it is the most common and the widely advertised one by various agencies. However, there are more others which you can benefit or maybe inform other people so that they can also benefit. Some of these include the child tax credit, saver’s credit, and many others. Here is an article which can help you understand the various type of credit taxes which you can claim from the revenue body. Make sure to understand each and every type of the tax credits stipulated therein so that you can make a wise decision for your subsequent actions.
The Rules for Tax Credits are not the same
The rules governing each and every type of tax credit will differ from one type of tax credit to another as explained in this site. For instance, the time taken to refund the money for the child tax credit will be different from that of the research and development tax credit. The time required as well as the necessary documentation for launching a claim will also be different. This therefore informs you that you need to familiarize yourself with what entails each and every type of tax credit for you to initiate a viable claim.
Forgery of documents or inflation of expenses is punishable
In some case, especially when it comes to the R&D tax credit, some people tend to inflate expenses on their research and development activities with an intention of getting more refundable money. This is extremely dangerous because the revenue body will always carry out an audit after a certain period and the faking of data can easily be identified. This will attract a penalty which in some instances the company of concern can be required to pay twice the amount of the money it had been refunded to it. In United States, the due diligence by the IRS on the amount it has refunded is carried out after every three years in order to identify whether there are irregularities in the files submitted by all the people who claimed for the refund. Forgery of the documents can also attract a case in the court of law. Generally, as a bottom line, it is advisable to be as honest as possible and also provide as many supporting documents as possible for your claim.
Tax credits are not permanents
Majority of the tax credits are subject to expiry and therefore the government can discontinue or renew them at its own pleasure. Discontinuation will mostly occur if the tax credit under concern has achieved the intended purpose and or objective. It is good to remember that the tax credit is just one of the many tools used by a government to stimulate an economy and therefore once the stimulation has been achieved, the government of concern has the freedom to terminate this incentive.
It is not compulsory to personally do the claim
Few people are aware on the existence of the agencies which can help individuals with the claiming process. These agencies will do all the hustles for you and you only need to provide them with the necessary documents. However, you need also to part with a small fee which is variable depending on the agency of concern. This is actually allowable by the law and you can opt for it if you are the busy type of individual who hardly has enough time to run from one office to another.
With such information, I believe you are in a better position to make a decision on whether tax credits are something you might aspire to pursue in the future.
